FROM THE GOVERNOR

Abbott congratulates College Station as tourism friendly Texas certified community AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott congratulated the city of College Station for being designated a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas after completing the multi-step certification process. The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation shows the commitment of Visit College Station to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world.

“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. I congratulate the City of College Station and Visit College Station on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”

College Station is now a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.

“As a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and now Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, College Station continues to set itself apart,” said Representative Paul Dyson. “This latest designation is a well-deserved recognition and serves as a true testament to the commitment shown by the City of College Station and Visit College Station, a commitment that serves as a foundation for sustained economic growth and a robust quality of life for our community.”

“This recognition celebrates what we already know — College Station is a place people want to visit, stay, and come back to again and again,” said Representative Trey Wharton. “From our traditions to our hospitality, the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation reaffirms the pride we have in our community and the bright future ahead.”

“College Station is known for its history, rich traditions, spirited energy, and unforgettable experiences; we take great pride in sharing that with travelers from Texas and beyond,” said College Station Mayor John Nichols. “Tourism is a cornerstone of our economy and identity, and being recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas destination reinforces its powerful role in shaping our city’s future.”

“Receiving the state’s Tourism Friendly Texas certification is an exciting and meaningful milestone for Visit College Station,” said Visit College Station Tourism Committee Chair Cortney Philips. “It recognizes the intentional work our team and the community puts into making College Station a welcoming destination. Whether visitors are here for a conference, sports tournament, epic concert, or iconic attraction, they’ll feel the energy, warmth, and unmistakable Aggie spirit that sets College Station apart.”

The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Benefits of the designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their community include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information on the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit: gov.texas.gov/ tourism-friendly-texas.

The mission of Travel Texas in the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in outof- state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state.

Abbott appoints four to Texas State Board of Pharmacy AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Stacy Hightower and reappointed Donald “Donnie” Lewis, Donna Montemayor, and Richard “Rick” Tisch to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for terms set to expire Aug. 31, 2031. The board fosters the provision of quality pharmaceutical care to the citizens of Texas and regulates the practice of pharmacy in accordance with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, efficiency, effectiveness, and openness.

Stacy Hightower of Aubrey is a certified pharmacy technician and works for Las Colinas Pharmacy, Compounding, and Wellness in Irving. She is a member of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding Board of Directors, Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, and the National Pharmacy Technician Association. Additionally, she is a volunteer with Irving Cares and Habitat for Humanity. Hightower studied at Angelo State University.

Donald “Donnie” Lewis of Athens is a pharmacist and owner of Lewis Pharmacy Consultants. He has practiced in hospital and community pharmacy for over 40 years, during which he owned two of his own pharmacies. Additionally, he operates a wedding and event venue and is a licensed real estate agent. He is a former Athens City Council member and Mayor Pro-Tem and a member of The University of Texas (UT) Health East Texas Board of Managers in Athens. Previously, he volunteered for the Pendulum Project Culinary Program and has coordinated pharmacy services for medical mission trips to Africa, Peru and Ecuador. Lewis received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.

Donna Montemayor of San Antonio is the vice president of Pharmacy Professional Services, Marketing, Technology and New Business for HEB. She is a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, Bexar County Pharmacy Association, Texas Pharmacy Foundation Board, American Pharmacists Association, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and is the vice president of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, she is a member of the UT College of Pharmacy Dean’s Advisory Council, secretary of the UT College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, a faculty practitioner at the UT College of Pharmacy, chair of the Providence Catholic School Board, and is a residency preceptor for the UT/HEB Community Residency program. Montemayor received a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy with honors from UT Austin.

Richard “Rick” Tisch of Spring is the regional vice president of HSA Bank. He is a member of the Southwest Business Association and a former coach for the Special Olympics. Previously, he served as a gubernatorial appointee on the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. Tisch received a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and marketing from UT Austin.

Abbott announces 10th annual Texas HireAbility campaign AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott announced the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities is partnering with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for the 10th annual Texas HireAbility campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and their contributions in the workplace.

“Every October, we honor the nearly two million Texans with disabilities who strengthen our workforce and make our state great,” said Governor Abbott. “In Texas, we open the doors of opportunity for all people. Because when everyone has the chance to work and succeed, our state succeeds. Only in Texas can a young man have his back broken in half and rise up to become Governor of the greatest state in the nation. Through the HireAbility campaign and Disability Employee Awareness Month, we are building a Texas where every Texan can achieve their dreams.”

Throughout the month of October, TWC and its partners will host job fairs and disability awareness events across the state. The Texas HireAbility campaign offers employers an opportunity to learn how they can strengthen their workforce by hiring talented Texans with disabilities.

This year is the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which the Governor recognized in a proclamation earlier this year. Governor Abbott also issued a proclamation designating October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas.

“Many of Texas’ most successful employers proudly make disability inclusion a priority in the workplace, and we want to encourage all businesses to leverage this talent pipeline,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Through initiatives like Texas Hire-Ability and We Hire Ability, TWC celebrates the accomplishments of people with disabilities and remains committed to providing pathways for people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful employment.”

“Texas HireAbility isn’t just about filling jobs; it’s about unlocking the immense potential and diverse skills that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Every Texan deserves the opportunity to contribute their talents, and this campaign helps break down barriers and build a stronger, more equitable workforce for all.”

“Texas’ workforce is made stronger by tapping into the skills, talents, and contributions of Texans of all abilities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “I am honored to join the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Texas HireAbility. TWC is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and enabling employers to succeed in the Texas economy, during this campaign and always.”

TWC’s We Hire Ability employer recognition program honors Texas-based businesses with a workforce comprised of at least 10% employees with disabilities. Employers receive a We Hire Ability decal for both their online media and physical locations.

The Texas HireAbility Employer Forum will be Oct. 2, at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio. Notable presenters include bestselling author and TEDx speaker Dr. Daniel Wendler and several employers leading the way and sharing best practices in disability inclusion, including Toyotetsu, Accenture, Christus Alamo Heights Hospital, and Southwest Research Institute. The event also features the Lex Frieden Employment Awards that recognize individuals and businesses with a commitment to hiring and supporting the employment of Texans with disabilities.

To find a Texas HireAbility hiring event or webinar near you, visit twc.texas. gov/texashireability.

TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation program helps eligible Texans with disabilities prepare for, get, keep, and advance in competitive integrated employment. Last year, TWC served more than 69,000 participants and helped more than 10,000 Texans with disabilities achieve their employment goal.